Top 10 mistakes when leaving a job

1. Slighting your boss. Make sure your supervisor is the first one you notify about leaving. Do this in person and in private. Do not be overly happy about leaving, but communicate how much you enjoyed working there.

2. Burning bridges. Do not leave on a sour note or be bitter about things such as being passed over for promotion or inadequately compensated.

3. Not giving sufficient notice. Two weeks’ notice is customary for staff positions. Managers may need to give more notice.

4. Not offering to train your replacement. If your replacement has been selected, offer to train him or her. If no successor has been chosen, volunteer to help choose a replacement.

5. Failure to thank employer. Thank your employer for the great career opportunity.

6. Not participating in an exit interview. Treat the exit interview as seriously as a hiring one. Focus on the benefits of your new position, not the shortcomings of the job you are leaving.

7. Not making a clean break. Leave professionally and do not take proprietary information with you.

8. Leaving unfinished work. Complete all work that can reasonably be expected within your time remaining. Do not slack off.

9. Unwilling to answer questions. Volunteer to answer questions related to the job for a short period after departing.

10. Not staying in touch with your co-workers after you leave. Keep in contact to maintain your career network.